To be one, to be united is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater. ~ Bono
While I was on a walk this morning, I saw a flock of geese flying overhead. I had to stop and watch them pass. It was such a beautiful thing ~ the perfect V and the honking call to one another. As they faded out of sight and I began my walk once more, I noticed a straggler not honking at all but flying with all his might. “Catch up, friend!” I said to the air.
I wonder what story it had to tell! When he caught up, would he start by saying, “You aren’t going to believe what happened!” We’ve all met people like this, right? They just can’t conform. As much as they want to, they just can’t exactly toe the line.
If geese are like people, most of the formation won’t want much to do with this little fellow. They may even be thinking of ways to chastise him to make him more like they are. But, thank god, there will be a couple who know that this guy could never conform, and they wouldn’t want him to. He’s the one who makes the world seem such a marvel. He changes their perspective and challenges long held beliefs. He nudges the nose from the grindstone and “gathers flowers while he may.”
I love people who are different, who think for themselves and the devil be damned. These are my people. At the same time, I know that even these types of people need to see the ones who always do it right even if they’d rather die than be one. The truth is that we need each other and each has its place. “Catch up, straggler, but please never change.”
If you make your own pasta, you might be a little outside the norm in your neighborhood. Tagliatelle has been on my food bucket list for a while and I finally decided to tackle it. Making homemade pasta is a little like going camping. Life would be so much easier at home, but getting in touch with the essentials in life is nice once in a while too. The texture and flavor of this pasta was incredible satisfying. If you’re in that roughing it kind of mood, you will enjoy this rustic experience.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
¾ cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting
¾ cups semolina flour
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 egg yoke
Salt, for pasta water
Instructions
Sift the flours into a mound on the counter.
Make an 8” well in the center.
Beat the eggs and the yolk together, and then place in the well.
Use your fingers in a stirring motion, gradually incorporating the flour and egg.
When it is all incorporated, knead for about 10 minutes. (I did this for about 5 then decided to mix it with the dough hook in the Kitchen Aid. ~ Don’t judge me. Hahaha)
If the dough is too soft, add a little extra flour. If it is too stiff, add water by wetting your hands and then kneading the dough.
Shape the dough into a ball and let rest 1 hour.
Roll the dough out into a thin sheet (approx. 1/8”).
Hang the dough to dry. When it feels leathery and doesn’t stick to itself when pressed together, it is ready to be cut.
I really could find a better way to do this.
Using a pizza roller cut sheet into strips (approx. ¼” to ½”)
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Drop the fresh pasta into the water and boil for 1 to 2 minutes for al dente.
Enjoy!
Tagliatelle
Ingredients
- Serves 4
- ¾ cups bread flour plus extra for dusting
- ¾ cups semolina flour
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 egg yoke
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
- Sift the flours into a mound on the counter.
- Make an 8” well in the center.
- Beat the eggs and the yolk together, and then place in the well.
- Use your fingers in a stirring motion, gradually incorporating the flour and egg.
- When it is all incorporated, knead for about 10 minutes. (I did this for about 5 then decided to mix it with the dough hook in the Kitchen Aid. ~ Don’t judge me. Hahaha)
- If the dough is too soft, add a little extra flour. If it is too stiff, add water by wetting your hands and then kneading the dough.
- Shape the dough into a ball and let rest 1 hour.
- Roll the dough out into a thin sheet (approx. 1/8”).
- Hang the dough to dry. When it feels leathery and doesn’t stick to itself when pressed together, it is ready to be cut.
- Using a pizza roller cut sheet into strips (approx. ¼” to ½”)
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Drop the fresh pasta into the water and boil for 1 to 2 minutes for al dente.
I love food! I read cookbooks like they were novels. I get giddy in a farmer’s market. I find a chicken in a pot surrounded by carrots, onion, and celery a thing of beauty. My favorite sound is Mmmmmmmm!
I love your story about the geese flying. It was a great way to start my day. I can not wait to make the pasta recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much!